Scampia: “before, I didn’t consider it my business”
The experience of a volunteer camp in Scampia with the “Six Mission” Group of Como, recounted by 17-year-old Anna Belingheri
(by Anna Belingheri)
My name is Anna and the missionary camp in Scampia was the first experience of such a volunteer camp for me.
Initially, I knew practically no one, but this did not scare me.
One should not limit oneself out of fear.
When I arrived in Scampia, everyone welcomed me very warmly, even though they had never seen me.
There was no prejudice or discomfort whatsoever.
My first impression was that I didn’t fit in with all the people who were at the camp, and maybe I wouldn’t even be fit to be with the children in that environment.
Instead, I got a pleasant surprise. I realized that no one was judging me and no one was expecting anything from me.
It was a wonderful nine days, which went by very quickly.
What stuck with me the most was the kindness of the people who, watching us go by, even though working in not very “friendly” neighborhoods, stopped us because they were pleasantly intrigued by our volunteer work.
Having done the camp opened my mind a bit to a reality that I had previously completely ignored,
because I did not consider it “my business.”
What, however, has shaken me the most is the environment in which some of the children live, such as the camp on Carafiello Street. I seemed to find one thing in common: a great innocence but also a malice probably instilled in them by their parents and their “home.”
This experience has given me more than I thought, really. I didn’t think I could empathize so much with people I was previously prejudiced about; and I didn’t think I could be accompanied by such simple, good people!
I carry in my heart an experience that has opened the doors of my heart.
I carry in my heart a great discovery and a different awareness of the reality around me.
The testimony that impressed me the most, I think, was the one made at “Dream Team”, an association in Scampia that strives to reintegrate and help women with problems of all kinds.
Here, we not only heard the director talking about the goals she has achieved as an association, but also the testimony of the family of Antonio, an innocent victim of the Camorra.
Hearing the fiancée of Tonino’s brother get emotional telling her story gave me chills.
A girl who decided to join such a prejudiced family as early as the age of 16 … it was emotional.
It also touched on the topic of violence against women, which I am particularly sensitive to. A great sense of justice.
Coming back from this camp, “Mission” became a commitment for me.
Commitment to no longer let things run their course,
to no longer settle for what others show me,
but to dig in and make up my own mind for myself, with my own head.
As a 17-year-old girl, I think it’s an experience everyone should have once in a lifetime.
See new realities, learn about new cultures.
It is rare to be able to participate in such an experience, even as a minor, plus life is short. It costs nothing to try!